Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Unveil and how it works.
What is Unveil?
Unveil is a reality detection engine that analyzes web properties using heuristic signals to determine how 'real' a product appears to be. It helps distinguish between functional products and marketing-only landing pages.
How accurate is the Reality Score?
The Reality Score is a heuristic assessment based on observable signals. It represents a probabilistic estimate, not definitive truth. We recommend using it as one data point among many when evaluating web products. Typical accuracy improves with more signals detected.
Is my scan data stored?
In the current version (v0.1), scans use deterministic mock data and nothing is stored server-side. In future versions with real scanning, we plan to offer options for data retention preferences.
Can I scan any website?
Yes, you can scan any publicly accessible URL. However, sites with aggressive bot detection may return incomplete results. We only analyze publicly visible content and never attempt to bypass authentication.
What technologies can Unveil detect?
Unveil can identify popular frameworks (React, Vue, Angular, etc.), CMS platforms (WordPress, Shopify, etc.), build tools, hosting providers, analytics services, and Web3 integrations. Our detection library is regularly updated.
Does scanning damage or affect the target website?
No. Our scanning mimics normal browser behavior and makes standard HTTP requests. We never perform any actions that could affect the target site's operation, security, or data.
Why did my scan return a low score for a legitimate product?
Low scores can occur for several reasons: aggressive bot blocking, unconventional tech stacks we don't recognize, heavy client-side rendering that doesn't complete in time, or simply minimal public-facing functionality. A low score doesn't mean a product is fake—it means we detected fewer positive signals.
Can I use Unveil for due diligence purposes?
Yes, Unveil can be a useful tool in due diligence processes. However, we recommend using it alongside other verification methods such as demos, trials, reference checks, and direct communication with product teams.
Is there an API available?
A REST API is planned for phase 2 of development. The current UI-only version demonstrates the intended response schema and functionality. Check the API Reference documentation for planned endpoints.
How do I interpret the different verdict levels?
Verdicts range from 'Appears Legitimate' (75-100) indicating strong positive signals, to 'Some Concerns' (55-74), 'Likely Performative' (35-54) suggesting mostly marketing content, and 'Insufficient Data' (0-34) when we couldn't gather enough signals.
What's the difference between positive and negative signals?
Positive signals indicate functional product characteristics (authentication, API calls, state management). Negative signals suggest potential issues (placeholder content, static-only pages, missing security headers). The balance determines the final score.
Can I scan pages behind a login?
No, Unveil only analyzes publicly accessible content. We never attempt to bypass authentication or access protected resources. This is both an ethical choice and a safety measure.